Response To Kumar David: Can A Buddhist Monk Be Secular And Non Sinhala?
September 2, 2012
Dr. Nimalka Fernando
I am well aware of the intense discussions and debates taking place amongst professionals, political activists, trade unionists and among those who are shaken by the white collar corruption scandals and existence of the `SEC mafia’ re the future political trajectory for the country. Many platforms are raising issues of corruption, good governance, right to information, democracy, LLRC and the 13th amendment. Most of these platforms are lead by civil society activists, religious leaders and do-good professionals. I have also seen recently the emergence of a left kathikawa. Kumar even though I could have sent you a personal response to the article “Can Sobitha prevail where Fonseka failed?” the matter you have raised has a national importance hence I decided to initiate a public debate for the good of mother lanka.
Your article, with the caption “Can Sobitha prevail where Fonseka failed?” in a sense threw me as a political activists with a progressive tradition into an abyss. I have no problem with Buddhist monks in politics. But, I was not aware that Rev. Maduluwave Sobhitha Thero is tipped to be the next opposition Presidential candidate, till I read your article. Are you suggesting that Ven. Sobitha should be the next “Common” presidential candidate against President Rajapaksa in 2016?
